Morning Bits

By
Jennifer Rubin

Why did the Middle East "peace process" fall apart? Really, the better question is why didn't it fall apart sooner. Smartest move Bibi made: asking for it in writing. Bonus points for those who figured out that this is more embarrassing for Secretary of State Hillary Clinton than the WikiLeaks leaks were for her.

Why are liberals going to be indebted to their favorite punching bag, Sen. Joe Lieberman? Because he is going to help deliver their top priority. (Odd that they are so obsessed with this issue, but they are.) "Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) said Thursday he'll introduce a free-standing bill to repeal the military's 'Don't ask, don't tell' policy. Lieberman said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) agreed to bring legislation to the floor to do away with the military's prohibition on openly gay and lesbian service members."

Why bother? "Former Alaska Senator and 2008 Democratic presidential candidate Mike Gravel told The Daily Caller in an exclusive interview that he is mulling a primary challenge to President Barack Obama in 2012." The left needs a viable candidate, or Obama will keep ignoring it.

Why are talk show hosts are always the one accused of being uncivil? It seems like lawmakers are worse. "The frustration with President Barack Obama over his tax cut compromise was palpable and even profane at Thursday's House Democratic Caucus meeting. One unidentified lawmaker went so far as to mutter 'f--- the president' while Rep. Shelley Berkley was defending the package the president negotiated with Republicans."

Why is Bashar al-Assad smarter than the Obama envoys? Syria understands the "peace process" shouldn't focus on settlements. It's sort of embarrassing when the French are tougher on Iran, the Germans are smarter on economics and the Syrians are savvier on Middle East negotiations.

Jennifer, please don't turn Glenn Beck on us. Gravel was never a Democratic candidate for president except in his bathroom mirror.

There are about 10 fiscal conservatives in the House, none of whom will be able to stop earmarks. All that talk about budget deficits went out the window with the tax deal. Even the Republican party can't be that successfully two-faced (though they will no doubt try)!

You seem to be particularly focused on Israel and Middle East politics but what is it that you're trying to convey? From what I can decipher, your position/attitude seems to be: (1) never disagree with or criticize the Israeli government or its leaders under any circumstances; and (2) attack, undermine, belittle and occasionally villainize other interested parties including the American administration. Do you have any policy positions...two state solution, continued occupation, expulsion or consolidation with Jordan, or is your position that you shouldn't have a position unless you live in the region? As far your comments on the issue of Israel's settlement building, I think most people, including the majority of Israelis, believe that Israel's settlement policy has been a problem that has sucked resources from Israel's economy, created hardships for Palestinians and undermined Israel's position in the international community. This is not a new issue. Every White House including George HW, Clinton and George W has criticized the policy with George HW and Clinton being accused of the same things this President is being accused of...anti-Israel, siding with Palestinians, even anti-semitism. And aside from the issue of whether the current White House has handled the politics of raising the settlement issue smartly, I don't know anyone who believes that had the issue not been raised and had it not become a pre-condition to talks that the peace process would be further along. Do you disagree with that? I know this can be issue that turns normally level headed people into emotional wrecks but I urge you not to over politicize the issue and keep an open mind...most of us are interested in the same outcome and the stakes for Israel and the other parties are too important.